7 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Freshman Self

We’re a little over halfway through the semester and it’s probably flying by for you because it definitely is for me. Hopefully you are having the best time ever because you should be. You’ve probably absolutely bombed a test and had a few late night study sessions. I hope you’re having lots of sweet treat runs and getting dinner in the union and seeing literally all of your opps there. Freshman year is so much fun, it's full of so many new and exciting things. But I would be lying if I said there aren’t a few hard lessons everyone learns freshman year. It’s so crazy when I look back at myself two years ago and see how much has changed. And let me tell you A LOT has changed, but it was all for the better. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself so many things and maybe prepare for some of the lessons I was about to learn. Although I can’t do that, I can still tell you! So here are just a few things I would tell my freshman self…

1. Don’t be scared to reach out and make friends. Yes I know it’s literally so awkward asking the girls on your floor if they want to hangout and you're probably so scared to ask. But guess what they are too! So just go ahead and break the ice and ask that one girl in you sit next to in your 8am if she wants to go on a hot girl walk. Or go sit down at the table full of girls you don’t know in your sorority dining room and see if anyone wants to get a sweet treat after dinner. Everyone is just as nervous as you are to make friends, so just do everyone else a favor and take initiative. You never know who could be your future bridesmaids. Jesus was always talking with and inviting new people everywhere he went. Get out of comfort zone and shine your light all across your campus. 
2. At this point you may have failed a test, or your grades aren’t looking like what you thought they would be. College homework is so much different than high school homework. Sometimes you just get a really crappy professor who loves making it impossible to pass his class. But just remember that your grades do not define you. You are God’s handiwork and he gave you unique abilities. Some of us are better at things than others and vice versa, and that’s ok because God made us all different. Just because you can’t do math does not mean you are dumb. College classes are just going to be hard sometimes but that doesn’t mean you don't try. Show up to class and put in the work and I promise you’ll reap the benefits of that.
3. I cannot stress this enough, whatever Greek letters you wear DO NOT MATTER!!!! Literally who cares what sorority you’re in. When we get to heaven your Greek letters mean absolutely nothing. Like I said before, you are God’s handiwork and you were perfect in his eyes before going through recruitment. What makes you think that having these letters makes you any more perfect than you were before? Greek life is so amazing and I could not be more thankful for my experience, but you also have to remember that it is not the end all be all. You will graduate and then five years later it won't matter if you were in a “top or bottom house”. What matters is the friends you made from it, and the impact you made while being an active member. Like girl, I’m sorry but if you think that you are better than anyone just because of the sorority you’re in then let me humble you for a second. God loves everyone equally. He loves you just as much as he loves that girl in the house next door. Every house is full of amazing girls and some of them could be your best friends, and it doesn’t matter if they’re in a different sorority. That just means there are more places to show others Jesus. The “top house” is the house that is the perfect fit for you and God knew exactly what he was doing when he put you there. 
4. Soooo you have a date party tomorrow and no date eeeek!!! Everyone puts so much pressure on finding a date for functions but let me tell you, I have had some of the best times when I went with just my friends. It takes all of the stress and pressure off and you can just have the best with your squad. sometimes taking a random guy that you don’t even know is so awkward and can ruin your night (but that's the worst case scenario sorry for being dramatic), I have definitely had a date party or two where my night ended in tears because of my date. Now of course this doesn’t always happen but the point I’m trying to make is there is absolutely no pressure to take a date and it’s not weird either. Yes, taking a date is fun and so is just going with your friends. Whatever you decide to do just know that both options are ok!
5. Ok so like, I know you don’t live under a rock and you know what alcohol is. And you’ve probably tried it a few times, maybe several… and you may have had a morning or two where you didn’t feel too hot. I would be lying if I said that hasn’t been me a few times (just ask me about my Quacks night… but like please don’t I hate reliving it.) It’s college and I know you’re going to drink so be smart about it. You do not need to blackout to be cool or make friends or have the “college experience”. Don’t get me wrong I love getting glam and going out with my friends but what I don’t love is feeling sick the morning after. There is so much more for you to do than just go to the bars and I promise you can also make friends doing other things as well. And do not let anyone tell you that you are a bad Christian for having a drink because you’re not. Jesus turned water into wine for goodness sake! It’s ok to have a drink or two but what’s not ok is abusing God’s gift. So it's ok to go out but remember, be smart and know your limits, and don’t forget that there are a lot of things to do besides drinking every weekend. 
6. Ok so let’s talk about boys. You’ve probably met a few cute ones and yes queen as you should. Having a boyfriend is fun and all but never forget that it's not the end all be all. God has the perfect person picked out for you and yes it can be so hard to remember that at times and be patient but it will be so worth it in the end. Don’t waste your time on boys who don't see how amazing you are and only want one thing from you because it’s not worth it. Also do not be afraid to walk away from a relationship that is holding you back or that feels toxic. God has such big plans for you and if that boy is leading you away from those plans, then you don’t need him in your life. Trust that his plan is good and girl boss!
7. It’s ok to feel a little homesick at times and your parents are just a call away. Your parents are going to be sooooo excited to hear from you! They are so proud of you and want to hear about all the fun things you’re doing. When you feel homesick take a minute to just be thankful that you have such sweet people and a place to miss. And don’t forget that God has you exactly where he wants you to be. 

College is soooooo fun and you’re going to have some of the best learning experiences. There are so many fun things to do and sweet friends to meet. But don’t forget about the most important friend you have, which is Jesus! He is and always will be right there with you. Don’t neglect your relationship with him because he truly is the bestest friend we will ever have. Spend time with him and get to know him, that will make your four years at school the best they could possibly be!